Gems of West Greenland with Helicopter Flight

Your Arctic expedition will begin in the Canadian city of Toronto where after arriving independently you can make your way to your hotel for your overnight stay. You may wish to arrive a couple of days early to allow more time to sample some of this vibrant city’s many delights.

On the morning of day 2 you will join the transfer to the airport to board your flight to Kangerlussuaq, deep in the heart of western Greenland, where you will board your expedition ship. Settle in to your comfortable surroundings as we set sail. Your experienced expedition crew will brief you on what’s ahead as you embark on your Arctic adventure.

Our first full day on board will be spent at sea sailing through the Kangerlussuaq Fjord and towards Uummannaq. Take the time to relax and enjoy the comforts of your expedition ship, watch a movie, sip on a cocktail from the bar or simply take advantage of the chance to put your feet up before the adventures that lie ahead. You can join interesting presentations and talks about the wildlife, geology and history of Greenland, whilst on deck the nature experts onboard can help you to identify the seabirds and whales that may be following the ship.

Throughout your expedition, you will have the unique chance to fly aboard your ship’s two twin-engine helicopters and we will take advantage of every opportunity to enjoy a flightseeing excursion...an unforgettable and unique experience!

Your first stop brings you to Greenland’s second-largest fjord system, the magnificent Uummannaq Fjord area. The awe-inspiring backdrop of the huge heart-shaped mountain that rises up dramatically behind the colourful houses of the town makes this one of Greenland’s most picturesque places. The fjord is full of cultural and natural wonders, and during your time here you will become one of the very few people to have ever explored this area in depth, travelling beyond the usual tourist areas. Excursions here will likely include the town of Uummanaq and Qilakitsoq where the famous Greenland Mummies were discovered, and excursions around Store Glacier and its immense discharge zone. Exploring within the labyrinth of valleys and channels in the depths of the fjord, you will uncover new destinations in true expedition spirit.

Next up it’s time for another one of the highlights of your voyage as we reach the iconic Disko Bay area, the largest open bay in western Greenland, and head for deck to search for sightings of the whales which are often seen in the waters here. There are a number of exciting destinations here that we can explore, including the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ilulissat Icefjord which is situated at the head of the outlet fjord for Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Glacier), known for discharging 35 billion tons of ice each year. Witness a world of ice where the scenic town lies amongst the spectacular backdrop of one of the world’s fastest-moving glaciers. We will visit the community of Illulissat and we recommend exploring this immensely beautiful fjord via one of the many marked hiking trails. Photo opportunities here are endless and your day exploring here will certainly be one to remember.

During our time here we may also discover the wild beauty of Eqip Sermia or the Torsukatak Fjords, both of which offer fantastic vistas of large active glacial faces and provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, paddling, and Zodiac cruising. This might also be the perfect place for a helicopter flightseeing excursion.

Situated in the heart of Greenland’s west coast, the Qeqqata region is home to around 20% of Greenland’s residents, most of whom live in Sisimiut and Manitsoq. During your time here you will likely have the chance to visit both these areas. Your expedition team will work with their local partners to curate a balance of community and wilderness-focused activities that will allow you to immerse yourself in the area’s culture, traditions and incredible surroundings. In Sisimiut, you can enjoy a visit to the open air museum, participate in local tastings, or join a hiking tour through one of many fantastic hiking trails on the town’s doorstep.

In the equally stunning Manitsoq area, we hope to visit the picturesque alpine lake of Innussuit Tasersuat where we can enjoy a hike and a picnic with locals from Manitsoq. The fjord systems behind Manitsoq are deep and seldom visited. Your expedition team will seek to take you beyond the ordinary and into these fjords for magical one-of-a-kind experiences, one of which is Eternity Fjord, which is home to the tallest mountains in all of West Greenland.

Having sailed back through the scenic Kangerlussuaq fjord overnight, arrival into Kangerlussuaq port will sadly signal the end of your voyage. After disembarkation and a fond farewell to the crew you will join your transfer to the airport for your charter flight back to Toronto. Upon arrival in Toronto you will be transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay and in the morning you can choose to either transfer to the airport for your homeward flights or spend some further time in this fascinating city.